Clinical Trials FAQs

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What Are Clinical Trials?

  • Clinical trials are research studies that involve people. These studies occur after laboratory and animal testing has been completed.
  • Clinical trials are the only way new cancer treatments can be tested for efficacy and safety before being made available to the public.
  • Each study tries to answer specific scientific questions and find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer.

Why Does NYOH Participate in Clinical Research and Drug Trials?

  • Research improves the current state of care by finding better ways to prevent and treat cancer.
  • Research improves the quality of life and extends survival for those diagnosed with cancer.
  • Research provides patients with access to new, potentially more effective therapies, not otherwise available.

Why Are Clinical Trials Important?

  • Clinical trials contribute to knowledge and progress against cancer. Today’s standard treatments are based on previous clinical trial results. Over the past 25 years, NYOH has been involved in the FDA approval of 49 new cancer treatments.  
  • The more people participating in clinical trials, the faster we can answer critical research questions that will lead to better treatments. Only about 3% of adult cancer patients take part in clinical trials. NYOH offers the most comprehensive Clinical Trial program in the region.
  • Because of progress made, many people with cancer are living longer. In addition to improved survival rates, clinical trials have also contributed to:
    • Lower recurrence rates for many cancers
    • New treatment approaches for cancers that had no effective therapy
    • Fewer side effects and better quality of life

What are the types of Cancer Clinical Trials?

  • Treatment trials involve new investigational treatments such as new anticancer drugs.
  • Prevention trials involve new approaches to prevent cancer or prevent a recurrence of cancer.
  • Screening trials investigate the best way to diagnose cancer, especially in the early stages.
  • Quality-of-life/cancer control trials explore ways to improve the comfort and quality-of-life of cancer patients.

What is a Protocol?

  • A protocol specifically outlines the study’s purpose. It defines the study size, number of participants and describes the plan of care and collection of data.
  • A study’s protocol is carefully developed and reviewed by the Principal Investigator and the sponsoring organization. It is then reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure trial procedures are consistently carried out.

What does the Institutional Review Board (IRB) review?

  • That risks to participants are minimized and reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits
  • Selection of participants is equitable
  • Informed consent is sought for each participant and is appropriately documented
  • Data collection is monitored to ensure safety, privacy and confidentiality

Why consider a Clinical Trial?

  • Many patients benefit from clinical trials, which provide an alternative to standard treatment
  • Participation may provide NYOH patients with early access to the next successful treatment
  • NYOH patients who participate in clinical trials are monitored very closely – even after the treatment is completed

Full list of NYOH’s current clinical trials.

For more information, contact nyoh.researchdept@usoncology.com.